Scabies Overview

Once a person is diagnosed with scabies, there are quite a few techniques used for getting rid of the mites. A combination of remedies is typically used for the most effective results. If symptoms persist after two to four weeks, treatments are repeated to eliminate any remaining infestation.

The products used to treat scabies are called scabicides because they kill scabies mites. Certain scabicides can also kill mite eggs that haven't yet hatched. These products often come in the form of creams and lotions that are applied over the entire body for an extended period of time -- usually eight hours or more [source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].Though less popular, there are also oral scabicides for people who don't respond to the lotions or creams. Scabicides typically are recommended for everyone who shares regular skin contact with the contaminated person in case the mites have been passed on to them. Furthermore, this group treatment helps to prevent repeated infestation.

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Although they won't eliminate the mites or eggs, there are a number of over-the-counter treatments to help relieve the intense itching of scabies. Topical creams, such as calamine lotion, are effective at relieving some of the less severe itching problems. Because the itching is caused by an allergic response to the scabies, doctors also suggest antihistamines to help control these symptoms [source: MayoClinic].

One of the best ways to treat scabies is to prevent it from spreading to others in a household. The moment a person begins showing symptoms, those who aren't yet contaminated can make sure to avoid direct skin contact with the infested person. Bedding, clothing, towels and any other fabric coming in contact with the skin should be machine washed and dried using the hottest possible setting or dry-cleaned [source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].

Keep reading to look at a few natural scabies treatments.

Kids and Scabies

Treating scabies may seem like a difficult process for adults, but treating it in children poses additional challenges. Kids commonly get scabies in more exposed areas of the body, including the scalp, face, neck, palms of their hands and the soles of their feet [source: Mayo Clinic].